 Still Serving the
Military Community and their Families
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Winter Haven, Florida
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Saturday morning, March 31, 2007, patriots from around Florida began
gathering to make the ride to Lakeland and Winter Haven, Florida to
honor fallen soldier, PFC
Joey T. Sams II. PFC Sams died as the result of a vehicle accident
while serving in Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Veterans from organizations throughout the state shared in honoring PFC Sams as did many motorcycle groups, associations and clubs. Notably many American Legion Riders from all over the state were present, as were members of the U.S. Military Veterans M/C, Defenders LE M/C. |
 Tom Rostan and Butch Fernandes from ALR Post 104 |
 Charley and his friend Diane |
 FPG Members from South Florida meet at Exit 10 on I-4 |
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The Florida Patriot Guard
staged a block from the church and joined other patriots already lining
the road waiting to honor the family of PFC Sams. There were many new
faces manning the flag line, and many old friends also. Sorely missed
were our friends Tom and Jan of the Starship Ambulance. They have both
been
sidelined with health issues and we all pray for their rapid recovery
and return. Today Charley and his friend Diane acted as our drag
vehicle and aided us in arriving at our destination safely. Members of the National PGR stood along both sides of the entrance to the Church and greeted the family's arrival with flags and salutes. The flag line is always an emotional sight and everyone was deeply moved as the family of PFC Sams entered the area. While the family held their service for Joey the Florida Patriot Guard traveled to Winter Haven to secure the cemetery and await the arrival of PFC Sams at his final resting place. |
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On the way to the cemetery members of the Florida Patriot Guard made a point of stopping at the local American Legion Post 8 in Winter Haven. We try to acknowledge the organization on each ride for their contribution to the establishment of the Patriot Guard. It all began in Mulvane, Kansas when members of the local American Legion Post decided it was time to honor the families of our fallen heroes. From there it grew to a movement that has captured the hearts of a nation. So we always remember to thank the organization that gave birth to this great movement, the American Legion Riders. |
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 Daslowpoke of the National group prepares to esort the Sams Family |
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 Mailman, Road Captain with the National group. |
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 Jack aka Greysoftail on a break |
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 Greysoftail and Saint standing in the shade |
 Florida Patriot Guard Members with Honor Guard from VFW Post 4289 |
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| When the Florida Patriot Guard arrived at the cemetery they were met by an honor guard from the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4289 and their Commander, Jim Erickson. We all got acquainted and talked for a while as we waited for the riders escorting the family to arrive. The men from Post 4289 were friendly and offered to feed us at their post upon completion of the mission. It was pretty late and everyone had to take a rain check on their offer, but we will make sure to visit their post the next time we're in Winter Haven. The VFW does great work for the veteran community. |  |
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| Today Florida again laid to rest one of its fallen sons. PFC Joey T Sams young life though short was not without meaning. He sacrificed his life to the service of his country and for that we all have an eternal debt to him and his family. Rest in peace young soldier. Stand down. | |
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| © 2007 Florida Patriot Riders | Last updated:Saturday, March 31, 2007 17:50:27 PM |